Congressman Peter King (R-NY) is at it once again, leading his Homeland Security Committtee on an investigation of the dangers of Islam – this time focusing on the "radicalization" of Islam in prisons.
There is not an overwhelming number of cases in which terror suspects converted to Islam while in prison and plotted attacks against the U.S. In his prepared opening remarks for the hearing, obtained by The Associated Press, King cites five examples since 2002 as well as a 2010 report by staff members on the Senate Foreign Relations committee that dozens of ex-convicts who were radicalized in U.S. prisons have traveled to Yemen, possibly for terror training.
For years, law enforcement officials have said the prison atmosphere is ripe for recruitment for any extremist cause, from violent Islamist extremism to skinhead, white supremacist and Latino gangs.
I am shocked – shocked! – to learn that some people in prison would actually ponder turning to a life of crime once they are released. Surely this is the fault of Islam?
Seriously, though, singling out one faith for scrutiny is inappropriate and unproductive, and sends all of the wrong messages about our nation's commitment to religious freedom. I am certain this hearing will offer a parade of horrible anecdotes, but what's the point? If the end result of this investigation increases limitations on prisoners' access to religious resources and leaders, then it would be harmful, not helpful, to the cause of liberty.
